dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən 

dampened; dampening ˈdamp-niŋ 

ˈdam-pə-

transitive verb

1

: to check or diminish the activity or vigor of : deaden

the heat dampened our spirits

2

: to make damp

the shower barely dampened the ground

3

: damp sense 1c

intransitive verb

1

: to become damp

2

: to become deadened or depressed

dampener

ˈdamp-nər 

ˈdam-pə-

noun

Synonyms of dampen

• moisten
• damp
• wet
• rinse
• wash
• flush

Examples of dampen in a Sentence

Dampen the spot with a wet cloth.

The shower barely dampened the ground.

We wouldn't let the bad weather dampen our excitement.

Recent Examples on the Web

But Williams’ homebody existence doesn’t dampen the wildfire energy Segel first got a hint of during a chemistry read over Zoom also attended by the series’ co-creators, Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026

For powder, dampen the fabric and then sprinkle powder on each stain. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026

Guest says that spending time in a moody room in the winter may dampen your spirits. —Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2026

Premium discretionary products like Peloton’s bikes and treadmills contend with other consumer priorities, and tighter budgets may further dampen hardware demand. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dampen

• rifampin

Kids Definition

dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən 

dampened; dampening ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden

2

: to make or become damp

dampener

ˈdamp-(ə-)nər 

noun